Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Sports Folk Heroine: Brandi Chastain

A folk hero (heroine) is someone who exhibits qualities that are
desirable. Hard-working, ethical, honest, clever, witty, and funny are examples
of characteristics that folk heroes and folk heroines exhibit in the course of
their daily lives. When push comes to shove in difficult situations, they do
what is best, what is right and they often do so at seemingly personal
sacrifice. And this is how and why they touch others.

As a soccer player Katie Parucha, who was a student intern, writes here about one of her
sports heroes, Brandi Chastain:

I strived to be
just like her as a young soccer player, even choosing her number (#6) as my own
whenever I was to wear a jersey on the field. She was so composed and calm when
on the field, but there were moments when her fierceness took control and no
one could stop her athleticism and drive to excel. It was these qualities that
I admired and hoped one day to emulate.

Yes, it was
apparent that Brandi was an awesome person and player, but there was one moment
in time that made the world recognize this amazing athlete. It was July 10th,
1999 and the Women’s U.S.
National Team was playing Japan
in the finals of the Women’s World Cup. The Olympics were held in the United States at the Rose Bowl, which some might
say gave the U.S.
an advantage. Knowing that Japan
was a team to reckon with, I knew that we had a great challenge ahead of us.

The game went back
and forth, both teams neck and neck competing for the world’s greatest honor in
soccer. Feelings of anxiety, hope, and adrenaline filled my body as I watched
this intense match. Regulation time left the score at 0-0 which only meant one
thing, penalty kicks. The world waited in anticipation as the players took
their shots. Brandi was the fifth kicker to take her penalty, meaning that if
she was to score this goal, the U.S.
would win the World Cup.

She walked up to the penalty spot setting her ball
down exactly how she wanted to place it. For soccer players, placing the ball
down can be a very important and superstitious ritual before taking a penalty
kick. After setting the ball down, Chastain stepped back and took a deep
breath. Although there was an extreme amount of pressure placed upon her
shoulders, she looked as though she had a confidence and ease about her that no
one could tap into. The whistle blew giving her the signal that she was clear
to take the kick. As the entire world watched her, she lunged forward to take
her kick. The ball was placed in the lower right corner of the net…..
GOAL!!!!!!

The entire U.S.
Women’s team raced up to Brandi who had fallen to her knees and began swarming
her. The feeling that I felt after that goal was scored was indescribable and
will remain one of the fondest soccer memories of my life.

In just seconds
Brandi Chastain went from being an intricate member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team,
to a sports hero- a folk hero- who will go down in soccer history. Not only did
she bring attention to women’s soccer (which was hurting at the time with fan
base), but she also brought attention to women’s sports in general. It was that
amazing day in America
that Brandi Chastain rose above adversity and changed the world of women’s
Soccer.